Israel-Hamas Conflict: Israel Continues Rafah Operations in Gaza, Egypt Issues Warning of “Consequences

Israel has launched a war against Hamas following its October 7 attack on Israeli towns. The focus of this conflict has been the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israel has planned an operation to target Hamas. This has drawn a stern warning from neighboring Egypt. The Defence Ministry has purchased 40,000 tents to relocate Palestinians from Rafah in preparation for an assault.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the assault on Rafah will proceed, aiming to target Hamas combat battalions and retreating fighters in the area. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has issued a warning, stating that any military operations in Rafah would have catastrophic consequences on the humanitarian situation and regional peace and security. Rafah is home to over a million Palestinians who fled after the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted over six months ago. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has urged Israel to reconsider its plans for an assault on Rafah, suggesting alternative means to combat Hamas fighters.

Despite withdrawing most of its ground troops from southern Gaza, Israel has continued air strikes and raids in the areas vacated by its troops. Efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate an extended ceasefire have not succeeded thus far.